An odd assortment of thrifties (which means being more green)

Whether you were “green” before the color was fashionable or whether you’re just ready to find the “shade” that works best for you, here’s information about doing just “one green thing.”

My sister thought putting her eggshells on plants was a good idea, but it turns out it is the water you boil the eggs in that is great for plants inside and outside (calcium content). Once the water is used, then you can toss the shells on the compost pile, if you have one. Remember, you will not have to water plants outside very much if you plant native plants. Not only do they cut down on watering, native plants provide food and shelter to local wildlife.

This sounds bizarre, but when you are chopping your garlic, Real Simple (magazine) reports the American Institute for Cancer research says you should let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking it. It allows the garlic’s cancer-fighting compounds to fortify themselves against the heat of the cooking. Someone ought to tell Alton Brown and Guy Fieri about that!

The article says to quit rushing through food prep like a short-order cook, but what should I do while waiting for the garlic to fortify? Maybe I can read up on the type of plants to have indoors that will help remove toxins from the air.

We felt extra good about cleaning the garage Sunday. The miscellaneous pieces of lumber we did not need were headed off to a friend who is building a chicken coop. We hope he will remember where he got the wood when those hens start laying.

When you do not know someone who needs your excess “stuff” (like our lumber), you could think about using craigslist.com. Remember, reuse is the best part of the recycling triangle (reuse, reduce, recycle).

For more information, e-mail Jan Herbert at JanHerbert@RockfordParkdistrict.org.